Folding Bike Locking System

Abstract

Locking system (10) for a folding bicycle (1), configured to allow the folded bicycle (1) to be locked in a locked position and to allow the bicycle (1) to be unlocked in an unlocked position, the locking system (10) comprising a magnet (11) and a locking plate (12), the magnet (11) having at least one magnetized face (13), the locking plate (12) having a metallic receiving face (14) intended to receive the magnetized face (13) in the locked position, the receiving face (14) being delimited by a periphery (15) having a first part (17) and a second part (18), wherein the first part (17) of the periphery (15) of the receiving face (14) is configured to maintain the locked position in the event of displacement of the magnet (11) in a plane parallel to the receiving face (14) in a direction (S1) chosen from a first set of directions (E1),and wherein the second part (18) of the periphery (15) of the receiving face (14) is configured so as to allow the magnetized face (13) to leave the receiving face (14), in order to move into the unlocked position, in the event of displacement of the magnet (11) in a plane parallel to the receiving face (14) in a direction (S2) chosen from a second set of directions (E2). Figure 4,

Description

Title of the invention: Folding position locking system for folding bicycle technical field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of folding bicycles, including but not limited to electrically assisted folding bicycles, and in particular two-wheeled bicycles. It relates specifically to a locking system for folding bicycles and to a bicycle incorporating such a locking system. Previous technique

[0002] Folding bikes by definition have the possibility of having an unfolded position allowing riding on the bike and a folded position for storage or transport.

[0003] The folding bicycle can have a folded storage position where the saddle is lowered as close as possible to the frame to take up as little space as possible, and a folded rolling position allowing the bicycle to be rolled along the ground by pushing it, with the seat post extended to act as a hand guide. Indeed, since the bicycle has a significant mass, it can be useful to be able to roll it, in the folded position, along the ground, so as not to have to carry it while moving it. This folded rolling position can be used when getting off a means of transport such as a train, in a station, or whenever it is necessary to move the bicycle without being able or willing to ride it.

[0004] When the bicycle is folded, whether for storage or transport, it is useful for handling it to keep the wheels fixed together. It is known to provide a magnet attached to one wheel of the bicycle and a metal disc attached to the other wheel, such that the magnet can come into contact with the metal disc when the bicycle is folded, thus keeping the wheels fixed together.

[0005] This solution is very widespread and has many advantages. In particular, it is cheap, lightweight, does not require the user to be very precise when folding, produces a satisfactory locking sensation for the user with the sound of the magnet hitting the metal disc when contact is made, and does not require any additional action, either to lock the bike in the folded position or to unlock it in order to unfold it.

[0006] However, this magnet-metal disc solution generates several problems. In particular, the bicycle may unfold itself from its folded rolling position when rolled over uneven ground. Furthermore, the metal disc creates a lever arm, which poses a risk of the front wheel axle loosening in the event of an impact.

[0007] Furthermore, the magnet's attractive force is calculated to sufficiently hold the wheels together while allowing the magnet to be easily detached from the disc so that the bicycle can be unfolded. In other words, the magnet must have an attractive force that is neither too weak nor too strong. Such a compromise is relatively easy to achieve in the folded storage position where the stresses are not high. However, when the bicycle is to be used in the folded rolling position, this compromise is not at all easy to achieve. In particular, if a magnet is designed to allow easy detachment from the disc, then this magnet will not be able to hold the wheels together when rolling in the folded rolling position and when a slight obstacle or deviation occurs in the path.Conversely, if a magnet is used to hold the wheels together while the bike is folded, then the magnet is too difficult to detach from the disc to unfold the bike.

[0008] There is therefore a need for a folding position locking system for folding bikes that is easy for the user to use, guaranteeing that their bike will remain in the folded position regardless of its use and is easy to unfold when they wish. Summary

[0009] This disclosure improves the situation.

[0010] A locking system is proposed for a folding bicycle, configured to allow the folded bicycle to be locked in a locked position and to allow the bicycle to be unlocked in an unlocked position, the locking system comprising a magnet and a locking plate, the magnet having at least one magnetized face, the locking plate having a metallic receiving face intended to receive the magnetized face in the locked position, the receiving face being delimited by a periphery comprising a first part and a second part, - wherein the first part of the periphery of the receiving face is configured to maintain the locked position in the event of displacement of the magnet in a plane parallel to the receiving face in a direction chosen from a first set of directions, - and in which the second part of the periphery of the receiving face is configured so as to allow the magnetized face to leave the receiving face, in order to move into the unlocking position, in the event of movement of the magnet in a plane parallel to the receiving face in a direction chosen from a second set of directions.

[0011] Thanks to the locking system, it is possible to hold the magnet against the locking plate, in the locked position, when the folded bicycle rolls on the ground, especially on uneven ground, and yet to detach the magnet from the locking plate when desired by the user to unfold the bike.

[0012] Indeed, the inventors observed that the directions for intentionally detaching the magnet from the locking plate are different from the directions of pressure exerted on the magnet when the bicycle is in its folded rolling position. It should be noted that the detachment of the magnet from the locking plate occurs essentially, if not exclusively, by movement of the magnetized face on the receiving face, therefore parallel to the latter and not perpendicularly or otherwise. Thus, by applying pressure to the magnet in certain directions only when moving on the receiving face, one type of detachment (for unfolding) can be facilitated while preventing another type of detachment (for example, due to an obstacle on the ground) without having to compromise on the magnet's attractive force.

[0013] The features described in the following paragraphs may optionally be implemented independently of each other or in combination with each other:

[0014] The first part of the periphery advantageously comprises a stop. Such a stop may comprise a wall extending transversely to the receiving face, in particular substantially perpendicular to it.

[0015] The stop can extend over at least 30%, preferably over at least 50% of the length of the periphery of the receiving face of the locking plate.

[0016] The magnet may have a magnetized face with a substantially circular periphery. Alternatively, the magnetized face may have a non-circular shape.

[0017] The periphery of the receiving face of the locking plate may be at least partially circular. It may be entirely circular. Alternatively, it may be circular only in part, for example, half of its periphery. Alternatively still, it may be non-circular.

[0018] The first part, in particular the stop, can extend over an angular sector, notably from a central point on the receiving face, between 45° and 240°, preferably between 90° and 225°, preferably approximately 180° or approximately 225°. Such an angular sector ensures effective retention of the magnet against the locking plate, particularly when the surface on which the bicycle is traveling is uneven.

[0019] The stop may include, along all or part of its length, a lip forming a return extending above the receiving face, at a distance from it. The lip may extend substantially parallel to the receiving face. The lip may have a width between 0.5 mm and 3 mm, in particular 1.5 mm. The distance between the lip and the receiving face may be at least equal to the thickness of The magnet. This allows the magnet to be held in the gap between the rim and the receiving face. The rim can extend from an upper end of a wall of the stop.

[0020] In one example, the stop has such a rim along its entire length. In another variant, the stop has such a rim along a part of its length, for example over at least 50% of its length, for example over 80% of its length.

[0021] The receiving face and the stop can be made of a single piece, in particular of metal. Alternatively, the stop is added and fixed, for example welded, to the receiving face.

[0022] The stop can extend continuously over the entire first portion. Alternatively, the first portion comprises a stop with several stop sections spaced apart from each other, which may or may not be identical. The distance between two sections is advantageously less than the largest dimension, in particular the diameter, of the magnetic face.

[0023] The locking plate may include a mounting tab connected to the periphery of the receiving face, in particular to a portion of the second part of the periphery. The mounting tab allows the locking plate to be fixed to the bicycle. The mounting tab itself may include a fastening element, in particular an opening, especially a circular one, for fixing the locking plate to the bicycle. The mounting tab is advantageously made in one piece with the rest of the locking plate. Alternatively, it is attached to the periphery of the receiving face, in particular by welding.

[0024] In this case, the fixing lug may include a step-out part connected to the periphery of the receiving face and extending not parallel to the plane of the receiving face on a side opposite to that of the stop with respect to the receiving face and a fixing part comprising the fixing element extending in a plane substantially parallel to the receiving face.

[0025] The locking system may include a magnet support for attaching the magnet to the bicycle. The magnet support may include a rod, in particular threaded or unthreaded, carrying the magnet and extending substantially perpendicularly to the plane of the magnetized face on a side opposite the magnetized face.

[0026] The magnet support may include a mounting tab for fixing to the bicycle, said mounting tab including a fixing element, in particular an opening, for example circular or oblong, for fixing.

[0027] According to another aspect, in combination with what is described above, a folding bicycle is proposed comprising a locking system as defined above, the bicycle comprising two parts, in particular a front wheel and a rear wheel, which can be brought together in the folded position and locked together in the locked position. rusting by means of the locking system, each of the magnet and the locking plate being configured to be attached respectively to one of said parts of the bicycle so as to face each other in the folded position, the magnet being configured to be able to be magnetized to the locking plate when the bicycle is in a folded position so as to lock said two parts together, the locking system being arranged on the bicycle with an orientation of the first part of the periphery of the receiving face and of the second part of the periphery of the receiving face such that the first set of directions includes the directions of movement of the magnet on the receiving face which are undesired and the second set of directions includes the directions of movement of the magnet on the receiving face which are desired.

[0028] The orientation of the first part of the periphery relative to the bicycle is specifically chosen so that the first set of directions includes the directions of movement of the magnet on the receiving face, which are created, for example, by the bicycle rolling in a folded position on the ground. This first set of directions forms a direction of constraint, that is to say, one in which the magnet is prevented from detaching from the locking plate.

[0029] The orientation of the second part of the periphery relative to the bicycle is specifically chosen so that the second set of directions includes the directions of movement of the magnet on the receiving face, which are created by the user's movement when unlocking the bicycle to unfold it. This second set of directions forms a disengagement direction, that is, one in which the magnet is allowed to disengage from the locking plate.

[0030] The set of possible directions for the magnet advantageously constitutes the sum of the first set of directions and the second set of directions. In other words, when the magnet moves along the receiving face, it either moves along a direction from the first set of directions, or it moves along a direction from the second set of directions.

[0031] The locking system can be attached and fixed to the bicycle. When said parts are the bicycle wheels, the magnet and the locking plate can be fixed respectively to the hubs of the front and rear wheels of the bicycle or to the bicycle frame near the hubs.

[0032] Alternatively, the locking system is integrated into the bicycle frame.

[0033] In this case and when said parts are the wheels of the bicycle, one of the magnet and the locking plate, preferably the magnet, can be integrated into a front fork and the other of the magnet and the locking plate, preferably the locking plate, can be integrated into a lug fixed to the rear frame.

[0034] The bicycle may include electric assistance.

[0035] According to another aspect, in combination with what is described above, a method is proposed for fixing or integrating a locking system as defined above, on a folding bicycle as defined above comprising: - calculate or provide the orientation relative to the bicycle of the first set of directions forming a constraint direction and / or the second set of directions forming an unlocking direction, - orient, relative to the bicycle, the first and second parts of the periphery of the receiving face of the locking plate according to the first and / or second sets of directions, - fix or integrate the locking plate onto the bicycle according to this orientation, - fix or integrate the magnet according to the locking plate in such a way to allow the magnetic face to be in contact with the receiving face when the bike is folded and in the locked position.

[0036] The method thus makes it possible to fix the locking system on the bicycle when the locking system is attached to the bicycle, or to integrate the locking system during the design of the bicycle respecting the orientation of the first and second sets of directions.

[0037] It should be noted that the orientation of the first set of directions is designed to form an angular sector of constraint preventing the magnet from leaving the receiving face of the locking plate. It is calculated to generate a constraint when the movement of the magnet is undesired. This orientation is related to the configuration of the first part of the periphery of the receiving face, in particular the presence of a stop on this first part, and to the orientation of this first part, in particular the stop, relative to the bicycle, when the locking system is integrated into or attached to it.

[0038] The angle between the line connecting the fixing point of the locking plate and the center of the receiving face and the vertical axis can be calculated such that the first set of directions corresponds to the set of directions of movement of the magnet generated by movements of the wheels of the bicycle or of the bicycle when rolling on the ground or other movements undergone, i.e. undesired, and that the second set of directions corresponds to the set of directions of movement of the magnet generated by the user wanting to unfold his bicycle and thus detach the magnet from the locking plate, i.e. desired. For example, the angle between the line connecting the fixing point of the locking plate and the center of the receiving face and the vertical axis can be equal to 45°, with the first set of directions extending from 255° to 75° and the second set of directions extending from 75° to 255° in the trigonometric direction.In one variant, the angle between the line connecting the fixing point of the locking plate and the center of the face. reception and the vertical axis can be equal to 0°, with the first set of directions extending from 210° to 30° and the second set of directions extending from 30° to 210° in the trigonometric direction. Brief description of the drawings

[0039] Other features, details and advantages will become apparent upon reading the detailed description below, and upon analysis of the accompanying drawings, on which:

[0040] [Fig. 1] schematically shows in side view a folding bicycle in unfolded position according to an example.

[0041] [Fig.2] schematically shows in side view the bicycle of [Fig.1] in folded rolling position.

[0042] [Fig.3] shows in profile view, schematically and partially, a detail of the bicycle of [Fig.1], in folded position, equipped with a locking system according to an example.

[0043] [Fig.4] shows in perspective, schematic and partial view, the detail of [Fig.3].

[0044] [Fig.5] shows schematically and in perspective the locking system figures 3 and 4 mounted on the bicycle of [Fig.1].

[0045] [Fig.6] shows in isolation, schematically, in front view, the locking plate of the locking system of figures 3 to 5.

[0046] [Fig.7] shows the locking plate of [Fig.6] in schematic and perspective view.

[0047] [Fig.8] shows the locking plate of [Fig.6] in schematic and side view.

[0048] [Fig.9] shows, in side view and schematically, an example of a plate of lock fixed on the bike in the unlocked position.

[0049] [Fig. 10] shows in isolation, in perspective and schematically, a locking plate integrated on a folding bicycle of another example of a locking system,

[0050] [Fig. 11] shows in schematic and perspective view the rear side of the locking plate of the [Fig. 10].

[0051] [Fig. 12] shows in isolation, in schematic and perspective view, the rear side of the support of a magnet of the locking system of the [Fig.10].

[0052] [Fig. 13] shows, in schematic and perspective view, the magnet and its support, of the locking system of the [Fig. 10]. Description of the implementation methods

[0053] In the various figures, the same reference numerals designate identical or similar elements. For the sake of brevity, only the elements that are useful for understanding the described embodiment are shown in the figures and are described in detail below.

[0054] In the following description, when referring to absolute positional qualifiers, such as the terms "front", "back", "top", "bottom", "left", "right" ", etc., or relative terms such as "above", "below", "superior", "inferior", etc., or orientation qualifiers such as "horizontal", "vertical", etc., refers, unless otherwise specified, to the orientation of the figures or of a bicycle in its normal operating position.

[0055] Reference is now made to [Fig. 1]. This represents a bicycle 1 according to an example. The bicycle 1 has, in a manner known per se, a front wheel 2 and a rear wheel 3 mounted on a frame 4 which supports a saddle 5 and handlebars 6. This bicycle 1 is folding and can be in an unfolded position to allow a user to mount, pedal, and ride it, as illustrated in [Fig. 1], or in a folded position for either storage or rolling, the latter being illustrated in [Fig. 2]. One difference between the folded storage position and the folded rolling position is the extension of the seat post 7 in the folded rolling position. The saddle 6 then forms a gripping part, as illustrated in [Fig. 2], in order to allow the bicycle to be pushed along the ground by rolling the wheels 2 and 3, arranged side-by-side in this position, so as to move the bicycle in the folded position without having to carry it.In the folded position, in this example, wheels 2 and 3 are locked together by means of a locking system 10 which will now be described with reference to figures 3 to 13.

[0056] In the example of figures 3 to 9, an example of a locking system 10 that can be fixed to the bicycle 1 has been shown.

[0057] The locking system 10 comprises a magnet 11 and a locking plate 12. The magnet 11 has at least one magnetic face 13; in this example, only one magnetic face 13. The locking plate 12 has a metallic receiving face 14 for receiving the magnetic face 13 in the locked position, as illustrated in Figures 3 to 5. The receiving face 14 is delimited by a periphery 15 in the illustrated example. The magnetic face 13 of the magnet 11 has a circular shape with diameter DI in this example. The receiving face 14 of the locking plate 12 also has a circular shape with a diameter D2 greater than DI in this example. It does not depart from the scope of the invention if the magnetic face 13 and / or the receiving face 14 have a different shape.

[0058] The receiving face 14 as well as the magnetic face 13 are flat. The receiving face 14 extends in a plane P.

[0059] As shown in Figures 3 to 9, the locking plate 12 comprises a first portion 17 of the periphery 15 of the receiving face 14, this first portion 17 comprising at least one stop 16. The first portion 17, in this case the stop 16, is configured to maintain the locking position in the event of displacement of the magnet 11 in a plane parallel to the receiving face 14, i.e., to plane P, in a direction chosen from a first set of directions. The stop 16 extends not parallel to plane P, and in this example forms a rim substantially perpendicular to plane P, with beveled lateral ends 19 and 20, following the curvature of the periphery 15, as particularly visible in [Fig. 6]. In this example, the stop 16 extends continuously over an angular sector i of 180°. The stop 16 lies in the path of the magnet 11 moving on the receiving face 14 in a direction within the first angular sector i and thus prevents the magnet 11 from separating from the locking plate 12. The first portion 17 occupied by the stop 16 extends over 50% of the length of the periphery 15 in this example. The stop 16 is, in this example, made in one piece with the receiving face 14, of a metallic material, in particular steel.

[0060] The periphery 15 includes a second portion 18 configured to allow the magnetic face 13 to move away from the receiving face 14, thus transitioning to the unlocked position, in the event of movement of the magnet 11 in a plane parallel to the receiving face 14, i.e., to plane P, in a direction chosen from a second set of directions. The second portion 18 is located in the path of the magnet 11 moving along the receiving face 14 in a direction within a second angular sector ii, thereby enabling the separation of the magnet 11 from the locking plate 12. In this example, the second angular sector ii is complementary to the first angular sector i and is 180°.

[0061] The inventors observed that the magnet 11 tended to move in a plane parallel to the receiving face 14 along one or more directions of the first set of directions when the bicycle was in a folded rolling position and traveling on uneven ground. The presence of the stop 16, interposed in this first set of directions, thus prevents the magnet 11 and the locking plate 12 from separating and therefore unlocking when the bicycle is pushed in a folded rolling position.

[0062] The inventors also noted that, to unlock the magnet 11 from the locking plate 12, the user moved the magnet 11 in a plane parallel to the receiving face 14 in a direction belonging to a second set of directions distinct from the first set of directions. Thus, by having no stop along this path, unlocking the locking system 10 is facilitated, allowing the bicycle to be unfolded.

[0063] This allows for a locking system 10 resistant to movements, for example related to rolling on the ground, when rolling in the folded position, and at the same time to have a locking system 10 easily unlockable to unfold the bike when the user wishes.

[0064] In the example illustrated in Figures 3 to 9, the locking plate 12 has a fixing tab 21 connected to the periphery 15 of the receiving face 14, in this example to a portion 22 of the second part 18 of the periphery 15. The fixing bracket 21 has a fixing element 23 forming a fixing opening in this example, in particular circular, for fixing the locking plate 12 on the bicycle 1. The fixing bracket 21 is fixed to the rear wheel 3 in this example, to the hub thereof, by bolting for example as seen in figures 3 and 5 in particular.

[0065] In this example, the fixing bracket 21 includes a recessed portion 24 connected to the periphery 15 of the receiving face 14. This recessed portion 24 extends not parallel to the plane P of the receiving face 14, in this example perpendicular to it, on a side opposite to that of the stop 16 with respect to the receiving face 14. The fixing bracket 21 also includes a fixing portion 25 comprising the fixing element 23 extending in a plane substantially parallel to the receiving face 14, i.e. to the plane P, the fixing portion 25 being connected to and forming an angle, in this example a right angle, with the recessed portion 24. The fixing portion 25 extends away from the receiving face 14 and not superimposed on it.

[0066] The locking system 10 further comprises, in this example, a magnet support 30 for attaching the magnet 11 to the bicycle 1. The magnet support 30 comprises, for example, a rod 31, in particular threaded, carrying the magnet 11 and extending substantially perpendicularly to the plane of the magnetized face 13 on a side opposite the magnetized face 13, as shown in Figures 3 to 5. The magnet support 30 also comprises, in this example, a mounting tab 32 for attaching it to the bicycle 1, said mounting tab 32 comprising a fastening element 33, in particular an opening which may be circular or, alternatively oblong, thus allowing adjustment of the position of the magnet 11 relative to the locking plate 12. The fastening element 33 allows attachment, for example, to the front wheel 2, in particular to its hub, by bolting in particular as seen in figures 3 to 5.The mounting bracket 32 ​​has a portion 34 to which the rod 31 is fixed, opposite and perpendicular to the magnet 11. The mounting bracket 32 ​​has a recess 35 connected to and perpendicular to the portion 34, extending away from the magnet 11, as can be seen in particular in [Fig. 5]. The mounting bracket further has a fastening portion 36 having the opening forming the fastening element 33, the fastening portion 36 being perpendicular to the recess 35 and extending away from the portion 34, parallel to it.

[0067] Figure 9 shows the locking plate 12 fixed to the hub of the rear wheel 3 of the bicycle 1, while the bicycle is in a position similar to that of Figure 1. When the magnet 11 is moved along the receiving face 14 in a direction SI belonging to the first set of directions El delimited by the ends lateral 19 and 20 of the stop 16, as illustrated in [Fig.9], then it comes into contact with the stop 16 and remains attached to the locking plate 12. When the magnet 11 is moved along the receiving face 14 in a direction S2 belonging to the second set of directions E2, complementary to El, then it is free to leave the receiving face 14 and detaches from the locking plate 12.Thus, the angle α between the line A connecting the fixing point 40 of the locking plate 12 and the center 41 of the receiving face 14 and the vertical axis V is calculated such that the first set of directions E1 corresponds to the set of displacement directions of the magnet 11 generated by movements of the wheels 2 and 3 of the bicycle or of the bicycle while rolling on the ground or other unintended movements, i.e., unwanted movements, and that the second set of directions E2 corresponds to the set of displacement directions of the magnet 11 generated by the user wanting to unfold their bicycle and thus detach the magnet 11 from the locking plate 12, i.e., desired movements. The first set of directions E1 thus forms a direction of constraint. The second set of directions E2 forms a direction of unlocking.

[0068] It is understood that angle a is also related to the positioning of the first and second parts 17 and 18 of the periphery 15 of the locking plate 12 as well as the fixing tab 21. In the illustrated example, angle a is approximately 45°.

[0069] Thus, the method for attaching the locking system 10 to the bicycle 1 will include calculating the first set of directions El forming a direction of constraint and / or calculating the second set of directions E2 forming a direction of unlocking, these two calculations being of course linked to each other since the first and second sets of directions El and E2 are complementary and together represent an angle of 360°. In the illustrated example, the first set of directions El forms an angular section of 180°, as does the second set of directions E2, but it could be otherwise without departing from the scope of the invention. The first set of directions El preferably forms an angular section of at least 130°.The second set of directions E2 preferably forms an angular section allowing at least the passage of the magnet 11, therefore depending on the diameter of the latter and the distance between the second part 18 of the periphery 15 and the center 41 of the receiving face 14. .

[0070] After this calculation, the first and second parts 17 and 18 of the periphery 15 are oriented according to the first and second sets of directions E1 and E2 calculated. This orientation, as explained above, amounts to orienting the locking plate at angle α. The locking plate 12 is fixed to the bicycle 1 according to this orientation. Of course, the calculations will be carried out in such a way that a margin of error can be made in the final orientation without prejudice during use. For example, angle α can be between -45° and 45° to allow Proper locking and unlocking operation is ensured. This angle depends on the position of the magnet bracket 11 on the front of the bicycle. If the magnet bracket 11 at the front is fixed at an angle -a, then the locking plate will have an angle a at the rear.

[0071] After the locking plate is fixed, the magnet 11, in particular its support 30, is fixed to the locking plate 12 so as to allow the magnetic face 13 to be in contact with the receiving face 14, if possible in a central part thereof, when the bicycle is folded in the locked position. The oblong opening of the magnet's support 30 allows this fixing to be adjusted for optimal performance.

[0072] When the bicycle is moved on the ground in the folded rolling position as illustrated in [Fig. 2], line A pivots with the bicycle frame so as to substantially coincide with the vertical. The first set of directions El and the second set of directions E2 are also rotated. The method and calculations are advantageously implemented so that these first and second sets of directions El and E2 are optimally positioned relative to the rest of the bicycle in the folded rolling position illustrated in [Fig. 2].

[0073] Figures 10 to 13 show a second example in which the locking system 10 is integrated into the bicycle, specifically into the frame 4 of the bicycle 1. In this case, the locking plate 12 is integrated into a frame section 45 supporting the rear wheel 3, which is not visible. The hub of the rear wheel 3 is fixed by means of an opening 46 in the frame section 45, which in this example is located under the locking plate 12. The locking plate 12 therefore does not have a mounting tab. The presence of two fixing screws 55 and 56 allows the locking plate 12 to be fixed and / or the loads to be absorbed.

[0074] Still in this example, the periphery 15 is not circular. The first part 17 of the periphery 15 occupies more than 180° of the periphery 15, with the angular sector of angle i = 225°. The angular sector of angle ii is equal to 135°. The first part 17 is circular over a portion 70 occupying an angle of 180° and rectilinear over the remainder, in the lower part of the locking plate 12, this rectilinear portion being substantially horizontal in this example. In this example, on the portion 70, the stop 16 forms a wall extending transversely, in particular substantially perpendicularly, to the receiving face 14, and at the end of this wall, the stop 16 has a rim 71 forming a return above the receiving face 14. This rim 71 extends to a distance from the receiving face 14 greater than or substantially equal to the thickness of the magnet 11 and its possible housing 49 as explained below.The rim 71 follows the curvature of the stop 16 and therefore of the periphery 15. The rim extends over a width of 1.5 mm. The presence of such a rim 71. allows to further improve the retention of the magnet 11 against the locking plate 12, in particular in case of force normal to the plane of the receiving face 14 which would be applied to the magnet 11 when it is against the stop 16, in the portion 70.

[0075] The second part 18 of the periphery is circular in its upper portion, joining in a straight line the straight line of the first part 17, at an angle to a vertical axis. The stop 16 is continuous and formed at least in part by the edge of the recess in the frame part 45, in which the receiving face 14 is formed, as shown in [Fig. 10]. [Fig. 11] shows the side of the frame part 45 facing the rear wheel.

[0076] Figures 12 and 13 illustrate the magnet 11 and its support 30, which in this example consists of a rod 47 connected on one side to the front fork 48 of the bicycle and on the other forming part of a housing 49 holding the magnet 11. The housing 49 is configured such that it surrounds the magnetized face 13, being flush with the plane defined by the magnetized face, and generally does not protrude from the plane defined by the magnetized face 13, so as to allow the latter to come into contact with the receiving face 14 of the locking plate 12. As with the locking plate 12, the magnet 11 is located above the hub of the front wheel 2, the fork having an opening 50 for attaching the fork 48 to the hub of the front wheel 2. The [Fig. [Fig. 12] illustrates the side of the front fork that faces the wheel, while [Fig. 13] illustrates the opposite side.

[0077] In the example of figures 10 to 13, the locking system 10 being integrated into the bicycle, the calculations of shapes, angles and positioning of the locking plate 12 and the magnet 11 are carried out during the design of the bicycle.

[0078] Disclosure is of course not limited to the embodiments just described.

[0079] In particular, the stop can extend discontinuously or be formed of several separate stop sections.

[0080] The magnet may have a non-circular periphery magnetized face. The periphery of the receiving face of the locking plate may have a shape other than those described in the examples.

[0081] The stop can extend over a different angular sector than those of the illustrated examples, provided that it fulfills its function.

[0082] The receiving face and the stop can be made of two pieces fixed together, in particular welded or glued.

[0083] The locking plate's mounting tab may have a different shape without departing from the scope of the invention. The magnet support may also be different without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0084] In the example described, the locking system is attached to the front and rear wheels of the bicycle, but it can also be attached to two other parts of the bicycle that come together when the bicycle is folded. When these two parts are the front and rear wheels of the bicycle, the locking plate can be attached to the front wheel and the magnet to the rear wheel. When the locking system is integrated into the bicycle, the locking plate and the magnet can be integrated into parts other than the frame and the fork, respectively.

Claims

Demands

1. Folding bicycle (1) comprising a locking system (10) and two parts, namely a front wheel (2) and a rear wheel (3), which can be brought together in the folded position and locked together in a locked position by means of the locking system (10), which is configured to allow the folded bicycle (1) to be locked in the locked position and to allow the bicycle (1) to be unlocked in an unlocked position, the locking system (10) comprising a magnet (11) and a locking plate (12), the magnet (11) having at least one magnetized face (13), the locking plate (12) having a metallic receiving face (14) for receiving the magnetized face (13) in the locked position, the receiving face (14) being delimited by a periphery (15) comprising a first part (17) and a second part (18),in which the first part (17) of the periphery (15) of the receiving face (14) is configured to maintain the locking position in the event of movement of the magnet (11) in a plane parallel to the receiving face (14) in a direction (S1) chosen from a first set of directions (E1), and in which the second part (18) of the periphery (15) of the receiving face (14) is configured so as to allow the magnetized face (13) to leave the receiving face (14), in order to move into the unlocking position, in the event of movement of the magnet (11) in a plane parallel to the receiving face (14) in a direction (S2) chosen from a second set of directions (E2), each of the magnet (11) and the locking plate (12) being configured to be attached respectively to one of said parts of the bicycle so as to face each other in the folded position,the magnet (11) being configured so as to be able to be magnetized onto the locking plate (12) when the bicycle is in a folded position so as to lock said two parts together, the locking system (10) being disposed on the bicycle (1) with an orientation of the first part (17) of the periphery (15) of the receiving face (14) and of the second part (18) of the periphery (15) of the receiving face (14) such that the first set of directions (El) includes the directions of movement of the magnet (11) on the receiving face (14) which are no, desired, being created by rolling the bike in a folded position on the ground, and that the second set of directions (E2) includes the directions of movement of the magnet (11) on the receiving face (14) which are desired, being created by the movement of the user when unlocking the bike to unfold it.

2. Bicycle (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first part (17) of the periphery (15) comprises a stop (16).

3. Bicycle (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first part (17) of the periphery (15) extends over an angular sector (i) between 45° and 240°, preferably between 90° and 225°, preferably equal to about 180° or about 225°.

4. Bicycle (1) according to claim 2 and optionally claim 3, wherein the stop (16) extends continuously over all of said first part (17) of the periphery (15).

5. Bicycle (1) according to claim 2 and optionally one of claims 3 and 4, wherein the stop (16) has, over all or part of its length, a rim (71) forming a return extending above the receiving face (14), at a distance from it.

6. Bicycle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking plate (12) has a fixing tab (21) connected to the periphery (15) of the receiving face (14), in particular to a portion (22) of the second part (18) of the periphery (15), the fixing tab (21) having a fixing element (23), in particular a fixing opening, for fixing the locking plate (12) to the bicycle (1).

7. Bicycle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a magnet support (30) for attaching the magnet (11) to the bicycle (1).

8. Bicycle (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the locking system (10) being attached and fixed to the bicycle, in particular the magnet (11) and the locking plate (12) being attached respectively to the hubs of the front and rear wheels of the bicycle or to the frame (4) of the bicycle near the hubs.

9. Bicycle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the locking system (10) being integrated into the frame (4) of the bicycle.

10. A method for attaching or integrating a locking system (10) onto a folding bicycle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising: calculate or provide the orientation relative to the bicycle of the first set of directions (E1) forming a constraint direction and / or of the second set of directions (E2) forming an unlocking direction, orient, relative to the bicycle, the first and second parts (17, 18) of the periphery (15) of the receiving face (14) of the locking plate (12) according to the first and / or second sets of directions (E1, E2), fix or integrate the locking plate (12) onto the bicycle (1) according to this orientation, fix or integrate the magnet (11) according to the locking plate (12) so as to allow the magnetic face (13) to be in contact with the receiving face (14) in the folded position of the bicycle (1) in the locked position.